Kansas City Chiefs star pass rusher Justin Houston could miss much or all of next season after having surgery to repair an ACL in his knee.

The Chiefs said Tuesday that the ligament was not fully torn, but after a meeting with orthopedist Dr. James Andrews, the consensus was surgery was the best option for his long-term health.

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The best-case scenario is a mid-August return, though it's possible Houston could miss the entire season. The Chiefs didn't specify which knee.

"We're hoping just because of his work ethic and he's been a fast healer in the past that's not the case, and that he'll be able to play this season," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "It's too early to be able to tell on that."

Houston hurt a knee last season, but at the time it was diagnosed a hyper-extension. He played with a brace in a playoff win over Houston and the Chiefs' season-ending playoff loss to New England.

Houston was an All-Pro in 2014 when he had 22 sacks to lead the NFL. He parlayed that outstanding year into a huge contract after the Chiefs designated him their franchise player. Houston signed a long-term deal worth $101 million over six year, with a $20.5 million signing bonus and $52 million guaranteed.

The injuries limited him to the first 11 games in 2015, and 7 1/2 sacks among his 30 tackles. He returned for the playoffs.